Raytheon “Math Hero” winners are nominated by students, parents and school administrators and selected based on the effective and creative ways teachers work with students in math and science, drawing on new and advanced approaches. Among this year’s winners are Arizona teachers Charles (Billy) Campbell II, of Pueblo Magnet High School, Steven Ruiz, of ASU Preparatory Academy, and Yalcin Udun, of Sonoran Science Academy in Tucson.
A total of 24 U.S. teachers “whose classroom creativity has helped them demonstrate the wonders of math and science are being recognized by Raytheon as “Math Heroes.” The Raytheon Company program provides each winner with a $2,500 award, in addition to a matching grant for his or her school.
The Math Heroes grant recognizes educators who implement innovative techniques and transformative programs that excite students and motivate them to pursue careers that include mathematics.
“I think they even forgot they are doing math,” said award recipient Coleen Barnes of West Allegheny High School in Imperial, Pennsylvania, who uses a competition called ‘Factoring Madness’ in her class. “It’s a great way to get the students to practice.”